A New York Times spokesman said: "This action by the Chinese government sends a chilling message meant to silence its critics."

Roseann Rife, Amnesty International's East Asia Research Director, said: "It is appalling that Tashi Wangchuk could face up to 15 years' imprisonment simply for expressing his views in media interviews."

Tibet, a remote and mainly Buddhist territory known as the "roof of the world", is governed as an autonomous region of China.

Beijing says Tibet has developed considerably under its rule. But rights groups say China continues to violate human rights, accusing Beijing of political and religious repression – something Beijing denies.